Hierarchical State Diagram Performance Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Visualizing performance data from programs written using hierarchical state diagrams is challenging due to generated function names differing from original model elements, making it difficult to correlate data entries with their corresponding state machine diagram elements.
Innovation Solution
The method enhances visualization by measuring and modifying the width and area size of transition lines and state elements based on processing times, using different colors or attributes, and displaying processing times and frequencies upon user interaction, allowing for intuitive understanding of performance data within the hierarchical state diagram.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If performance data is measured using generated function names, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because it becomes difficult to correlate data entries with original model elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mapping mechanism that connects generated function names to original model element names. The profiler captures both the generated function name and its corresponding original model element name, creating a mapping relationship that allows users to trace performance data back to the original state diagram elements, thus resolving the disconnect between precise measurement and ease of interpretation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds an additional dimension to the performance data presentation by including both the generated function name and the original model element name. This dual-naming approach creates a two-dimensional identification system where users can see both the technical implementation name (for precision) and the original design name (for interpretability), effectively resolving the contradiction through dimensional expansion
2Measurement precision
If detailed performance data is displayed for all elements, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases making the visualization harder to understand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different levels of detail in the visualization based on user needs. The system can display aggregated performance data at higher hierarchical levels and more detailed data at lower levels, enabling users to focus on specific areas of interest without being overwhelmed by comprehensive data, thus maintaining simplicity while preserving measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the performance data visualization into hierarchical levels corresponding to the state diagram structure. By organizing data according to the hierarchical hierarchy (superstates, states, transitions), the system allows users to analyze performance at different granularities, reducing overall visualization complexity while maintaining detailed measurement capability through selective expansion of specific segments
Data Source
AI summary
A method of enhancing a display of performance data in a hierarchical state diagram includes measuring a processing time P(t) for each transition action code T(t) of each hierarchical level of the hierarchical state diagram, measuring a processing time P(t) for each state of each hierarchical level of the hierarchical state diagram, and modifying the hierarchical state diagram to enlarge or decrease a width W(t) of transition lines in accordance with a ratio of processing times of all transition action codes in a same hierarchical level. The method also includes modifying the hierarchical state diagram to enlarge or decrease an area size S(x) of a state P(x) to a ratio of processing times of all states in a same hierarchical level, to enlarge or decrease a width W′(t) of an arrow representative of an EntryAction and ExitAction of a state in proportion to processing time and displaying the modified hierarchical state diagram to enhance visualization of the modified transition line width W(t), the modified area size S(x) and the modified EntryAction/ExitAction width W′(t).